The first of the month came and went. The truth of the matter is that you just don’t have the money to pay rent this month. You will only be able to avoid your landlord’s calls and turn the lights off when you see him drive up for so long. It’s a difficult situation - and you’re definitely not alone.

Although we can’t come up with rent for you (unless you are one of our three lucky Grand Prize winners of our monthly sweepstakes), we can share some advice that we hope will help reduce your anxiety and manage your rental deficit.

Review Your Lease. When is your rent really due - that is, is there a grace period before you are charged a late fee? In some leases, this could be just enough time to pull together some cash.

Turn Over Every Stone. Consider whether there are other sources for rent money. While you may hate to do it, determine whether there is someone you can borrow money from. Can you get an advance from work? Another option may be selling or auctioning off some of your belongings (hello, eBay), or maybe returning that flat screen TV that you bought last month. Be creative - between now and when your rent is due, can you babysit, walk some dogs or clean someone’s house? It may not be glamorous, but extra jobs like these can bring in exactly what you need - cash.

Assess Your Situation. After circling the wagons to find funds, take an honest assessment of the situation - is some money available now? When will you have more funds to put toward rent? Or, is it just that you simply can’t pay rent this month? Taking a realistic look at your situation will help you determine your best next step.

Approach Your Landlord. If you will have fund available before the late fee would be imposed, don’t bother to notify your landlord in advance. Just have the rent in his or her hands by that date. (Trust us, they are used to rent payments arriving at the very last minute.)

If you have some funds available now and expect the rest of the amount within a reasonable time-frame, your best approach may be coming clean with your landlord. Explain your situation, but be honest. Let your landlord know that you will pay a portion now and the remainder by a date certain. This will give your landlord certainty. Ask to have any late fee waived if you pay the remainder by the date discussed. Unless you are habitually late, your landlord will probably agree. Make sure you get this in writing - it essentially amends the lease to make it so you aren’t technically late.

If, on the other hand, you don’t expect to be able to pay the rent unless your guardian angle appears with a sack of money, you may need to take a different approach. You might want to start thinking longer term. If you don’t think that you will be able to come up with this month’s rent any time soon, much less next month’s rent, consider your alternatives. Can you take in a roommate (though this could lead to additional issues - check your lease)? Can you find someone to sublease your apartment?

While these may not personally be what you’d want, keep in mind that you signed a lease and are contractually obligated. Failing to fulfill this obligation could have wide-ranging implications. Before you approach your landlord, have a solution or at least a plan. If this means waiting a week or so until you have some answers, that is probably the better approach.

Also, check your local municipal code to find out if you have any rights, such as how much notice a landlord must give you before they proceed with an eviction. Most towns also have legal clinics that can work with you for reduced or no fees.